House Leader Reacts To Atty. Michael Poa Filing as Counsel of VP Sara Duterte
House leader and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre believes that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte might have allegedly taken Attorney Michael Poa as her legal counsel to prevent him from testifying against her.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte has filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the 4th impeachment case against her. Her move was amid the Senate being called for a speedy commencement of the impeachment trial against her.
The House of Representatives has approved the impeachment of Vice Pres. Duterte. As for the upper chamber, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero has released the proposed timeline for the impeachment trial of Duterte and the tentative start is on July 30.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is one of the lawyers of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte in the petition she filed before the Supreme Court. Recently, Atty. Michael Poe joined the legal team of the Vice President in the petition filed.
Atty. Michael Poa who joined her legal team is a former spokesperson of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte in the Office of the Vice President (OVP). He was also her chief-of-staff when she was the secretary of the Department of Education.
It was in November last year when Poa said he’s no longer connected with Duterte’s office. Recently, the Office of the Spokesperson of the Supreme Court confirmed that he has filed his entry of appearance as co-counsel for the Vice President.
A House leader has reacted on the move. Based on a report on GMA News, House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre claimed that it can allegedly be a way to hide and an attempt to deflect.
“Well, ako kung ako tatanungin, medyo inaasahan ko na rin na gagawing kasama ng legal team si Atty. Mike Poa kasi sa totoo lang ho, pwede po silang magtago principle ng lawyer-client confidentiality. Makikita po natin ang isa na namang attempt to deflect,” Acidre said.
Based on the report, the House Leader also expressed his belief that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s camp might have taken the move to prevent Atty. Michael Poa from testifying against her before the impeachment court.
“Sa tingin ko rito, sa hakbang na ito na ginawa ng kampo ni Vice President Duterte, sa tingin ko pagpigil ito para kay Mike Poa na tumestigo sa impeachment court at magsabi ng totoo,” the House Leader said.
Recently, the lawmakers said that the delay of the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Duterte is beneficial for her.